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Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers

2.0 star property
Art Deco hostel near Te Papa

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers

Twin, Double & Single Ensuite | In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets
Terrace/patio
Interior
Exterior
Breakfast area

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Bar
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant

Explore the area

View in a map
1 Bunny Street Wellington Cbd, Wellington, 6011
  • Wellington Central Business District
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Te Papa
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Interislander Ferry Terminal
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Wellington (WLG-Wellington Intl.)
    ‪11 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Double Ensuite

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Ensuite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(20 reviews)
  • 194 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Premium Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Premium Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

  • 258 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Twin, Double & Single Ensuite

Twin, Double & Single Ensuite | In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Twin, Double & Single Ensuite

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(17 reviews)
  • 248 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Shared Dormitory, Private Bathroom (8 Beds)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 280 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Double Shared Bathroom

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Shared Bathroom

7.4 out of 10
Good
(3 reviews)
  • 248 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Private Bathroom (6 Beds)

Towels

Shared Dormitory, Private Bathroom (6 Beds)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 258 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Shared Bathroom (4 Beds)

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Shared Bathroom (4 Beds)

  • 237 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Ensuite (6 Bed, Female Only)

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Ensuite (6 Bed, Female Only)

  • 258 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Bunk Style Twin (Shared Bathroom)

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bunk Style Twin (Shared Bathroom)

  • 172 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Single (Shared Bathroom)

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Single (Shared Bathroom)

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(14 reviews)
  • 161 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Standard Double Room, Private Bathroom

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Double Room, Private Bathroom

  • 194 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Single Room, Ensuite

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Single Room, Ensuite

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(13 reviews)
  • 205 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Double Room with Private Bathroom

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Room with Private Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Bed In 4-Bed Dormitory

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In 4-Bed Dormitory

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Single Room with Shared Bathroom

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Single Room with Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Twin Double&Single Ensuite

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Twin Double&Single Ensuite

  • Sleeps 3

View all photos for Single Room With Bathroom

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Single Room With Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Double Room with Shared Bathroom

Interior

Double Room with Shared Bathroom

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Bed In 6-Bed Dormitory

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In 6-Bed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Ensuite Twin Room

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Ensuite Twin Room

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Bed In 8-Bed Dormitory

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In 8-Bed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Bed In 8 Bed Dormitory

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In 8 Bed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1

About the neighborhood

Wellington

Pipitea stay.At this Pipitea hostel, you'll be within a 5-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District and Lambton Quay. Archives New Zealand and Wellington Cenotaph are also within half a mile (1 km).
View more Hostels in WellingtonOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Wellington Central Business District - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Sky Stadium - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Te Papa - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Cuba Street Mall - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Interislander Ferry Terminal - 2 min drive - 1.2 miles

Getting around

  • Wellington Station - 1 min walk
  • Wellington Intl. Airport (WLG) - 19 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Mojo Featherston - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Rydges Hotel - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪The Old Bailey - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Otto - Champagneria & Beer Hall - ‬5 min walk

About this property

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers

Art Deco hostel near Te Papa
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. WiFi is free in public spaces. Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers also features a vending machine, laundry facilities, and express check-out.

This Art Deco Wellington hostel is smoke free.

  • 108 guestrooms or units
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-out
  • Front-desk safe
  • ATM
  • Elevator
  • No smoking on site
  • Lockers available
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers offers 108 accommodations with safes. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is provided daily.

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The price is $49
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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Front entrance ramp
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • Cable/satellite channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Towels provided

More

  • Heating
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: NZD 10
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
At check-in, guests must provide a record of full COVID-19 vaccination
COVID-19 vaccination record requirement applies to all guests aged 12 and up; guests must have received complete COVID-19 vaccination at least 30 days prior to check-in

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: NZD 20.00 per stay

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Late check-out fee: NZD 10 (subject to availability)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. No onsite parking is available. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions. At check-in, guests must provide a record of full COVID-19 vaccination. The COVID-19 vaccination record requirement applies to all guests aged 12 and up; guests must have received their complete COVID-19 vaccination at least 30 days prior to check-in.

National rating

For the benefit of our customers, we have provided a rating based on our rating system.

Property is also known as

Downtown Backpackers
Downtown Backpackers Hostel
Downtown Backpackers Hostel Wellington
Downtown Backpackers Wellington
Hotel Waterloo Backpackers
Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers Wellington
Hotel Waterloo Backpackers (formerly Downtown Backpackers)
Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers Hostel/Backpacker accommodation

Frequently asked questions

How close is Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers to the airport?

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers is 5.3 mi (19-min drive) away from the Wellington Intl. Airport (WLG) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers?

As of Sep 8, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers on Sep 17, 2025 start from $50.72, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers.

How close is Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers to the beach?

This hostel is 1.5 mi (6-min drive) from Oriental Bay Beach and 5.8 mi (21-min drive) from Princess Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers offer free breakfast?

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers?

No, there is no casino at this hostel.

What time is check-in at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

Is there free parking at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers?

Free parking is not available at this hostel.

Does Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers have a pool?

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers does not have a pool.

Does Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hostel.

How close is Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers to downtown Wellington?

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers is 0.5 mi away from Wellington.

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 239 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 411 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 227 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 68 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 57 out of 1002 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Pouneta

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gee

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Csaba

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Thant was a bit chilly in the room, and in the bathroom through the wall grill was constant noise
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Great value.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
L9vely old art deco building. It is old and well used but well maintained and clean. Perfect for travelling without a vehicle. I felt safe.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Susannah 'Roxy'

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
No frills. Just what I needed for a night in town for an early morning event.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

rg

Liked: Staff & service
Ok for a night
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

ivan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Mark

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Centrally located ,close to buses,trains,stadiums No hot water on the sunday morning
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

faith

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Deborah

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I arrived and was greeted ok. Didn't say what floor I was on but my room number was on a piece of paper. I asked about breakfast included they said no, it is worded about breakfast on the website, it should not be showing. The room numbers were confusing on the doors. It rained and was windy against my room window, a good draft came in through the shut windows, a little puddle of water appeared on the window sill, so yes the room was noisy with weather issues. TV didnt work. No knobs on the heater to work. Bed okish a bit lumpy. The inside of the wardrobe stunk and it had mould inside it. A bit of the ceiling was coming away in the shower. The lifts were good, lounge room ok, kitchen was ok. The vending machine was filled up with products. The area was convenient and close to the buses and railway station, central to the city. I won't be staying again. The place needs to be demolished and rebuilt in my opinion, its far too old. Rating 4/10
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

T

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
It was a good price and was clean and comfortable....nothing flash but close to everything. A good choice
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Megan

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Frances

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
We had to change our room three times as the first ones we were given were unsuitable, far too small and dark. Our third room was much better. We were disappointed there was no longer a restaurant in the hotel as we had stayed there a few years ago. You now have to go out and eat in the restaurant next door which wasn't always convenient.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Patricia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
I have been at the Waterloo hotel in the past.It is cleaned regularly but nothing has been done in the building for at least 15 years in the kitchen or the communal parts: the carpet is worn out the Lino is sticky even just after being washed.My single room and shared bathroom has not been refurbished in years . The room was colder than the rest of the building fortunately the staff is very helpful and provided a small heater.On the positive side the staff is friendly and helpful and towels and bedding perfectly clean.It’s a shame that such a nice art deco building is not is not maintained properly.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

BRAD

Liked: Cleanliness
Very reasonable rates. Rooms were great and such an excellent location.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
stayed here a couple of times. It's convenient to the train station.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Michel

Disliked: Amenities
No shampoo, no soap in the bottle, no hairdryer. But the rest was excellent: Super fast check-in, across the street from train station, great location.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Allan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
kb
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Toni

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
This property was very convenient in the fact that it was right by the waterfront and near pretty much everything you need, however no parking was the downside, ended up having to pay $48 dollars for and overnight park💀, the building is definitely old and it shows, also has an odour, no refrigerator in the room so the milk capsules were warm and kind of gross tasting, other then that was not a bad place to stay for a night if your not to worried about the quality.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Joy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Pierre

Traveled with group
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The bed was not confortable and the room was dirty
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Shayne

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Paul

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025